The US Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, on Thursday raised the American flag outside the ambassador’s residence in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in a symbolic move that signals the growing ties between the two governments.
The move came as Barrack inaugurated the residence, alongside the Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, reported the Syrian state news agency SANA.
This marks Barrack’s first official visit to the country. The US closed it embassy in Damascus in 2012 due to the conflict in Syria, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Barrack, who is also the US Ambassador to Türkiye, has been appointed as a special envoy to Syria in May 2025. On Thursday, the US Department of State published a statement for the US President, Donald Trump, confirming the appointment of Barrack.
“I am pleased to announce that our United States Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, will be serving as our Envoy to Syria. Tom understands there is great potential in working with Syria to stop Radicalism, improve Relations, and secure Peace in the Middle East. Together, we will Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” the statement said.
The relations between Washington and the new government in Damascus have been improving in recent weeks. During Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, he announced lifting US sanctions imposed on Syria, as the result of the extensive diplomatic efforts of Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. He also met with the Syrian Transitional President, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in Riyadh.
Although the US has not formally reopened its embassy in Syria, raising the American flag is a significant signal of improving ties.
On his part, Barrack conveyed Trump’s greeting to the Syrian people, stressing the US President’s commitment to supporting Syria’s government, SANA reported.
